MMDA seeking payment from Venezuelan envoy

MANILA, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is seeking payment of the damaged steel fence earlier smashed by the car of Venezuelan Ambassador Manuel Perez Iturbe along EDSA’s southbound lane in Magallanes, Makati City at past midnight Tuesday.

Senior Police Officer 2 Miguel Descalzo, of the city’s traffic police, said Iturbe has expressed willingness to pay the damaged property of the MMDA. “The Venezuelan embassy is still waiting for the estimate of the damage from the MMDA. Ambassador Iturbe is willing to pay everything,” Descalzo said.

Descalzo said no charges will be filed against Iturbe because the latter has immunity. “He cannot be charged because he has immunity being an ambassador. What were damaged were the steel post and chicken tent along the area,” Descalzo said.

Police investigation showed that Iturbe was driving his BMW 320i along EDSA from Ayala Avenue when another vehicle cut in front of him, prompting him to veer towards the right. Descalzo said Iturbe lost control of the steering wheel and hit the steel fence of the MMDA.

“The BMW flipped and fell with its right side down on the road pavement,” Descalzo said. – Jose Rodel Clapano